> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.loqate.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create an API Key

> Step-by-step guide to creating and configuring Loqate API keys. Set up authentication, configure service limits, and test your first API request.

export const BetaCallout = () => {
  return <Note>
    <span data-as="p">
    <strong>Loqate Core SDKs are now in Early Access (Beta)</strong> — our new TypeScript and .NET SDKs are available to try today.  
    They're stable, generated from our live API definitions, and form the first stage of our developer-tools refresh.  
  We'd love your feedback as we continue to expand them. 
    <br />See the <a href="/sdks/overview">SDK Overview</a> for details. 
    </span>
    </Note>;
};

**All Loqate services require a valid and active API key for authentication.**

## Prerequisites

You need a valid Loqate account. [Sign up for a free trial](https://account.loqate.com/register/) to get started.

## Steps

1. Navigate to the **Setup** page in the Loqate Account section by clicking the **Add service +** button from the left-hand menu.

2. Select the **API Key** option to create a generic API key.

3. You'll be taken to the **Service Settings** page for your new key. Click **Save** to activate it.

4. Copy and save your API key immediately. You'll need it to authenticate all API requests.

## Using Your API Key

<BetaCallout />

Include your API key in the `Key` parameter of your requests:

```http theme={null}
https://api.addressy.com/Capture/Interactive/Find/v1.10/json3.ws?Key=YOUR-API-KEY&Text=search
```

Replace `YOUR-API-KEY` with your actual key.

## Service Settings

Configure your key in the Service Settings page:

* **Configuration:** Edit the key name, toggle between active/inactive, or set to internal use only
* **Limits:** Set daily lookup limits and restrict the key to specific URLs, IPs, and/or services

For detailed security options, see the [API Security](https://docs.loqate.com/loqate-basics/api-security) page.

Generic API keys can enable additional datasets for expanded coverage.

## Try It Out

Test your API key with the [Address Capture Find Playground](/api-reference/address-capture/find?playground=open) to make your first request.